Two Wheeling Starting From Mathura through Rajasthan, Gujarat, Diu and finally to reach Maharastra 

Tripoto
7th Feb 2016
Photo of Two Wheeling Starting From Mathura through Rajasthan, Gujarat, Diu and finally to reach Maharastra  1/1 by corporateslave
Ready to face the next few days
Day 1

4000km Ride finally done

After getting a leave sanctioned of 19 days I used the first 8 days to study preparing for an exam (biggest mistake though) on 7th of February 2016 and after flunking the examination I quickly reached CSTM station get my bike (Royal Enfield Classic 350) packed and booked as luggage and boarded Punjab Mail (Train No.12137) and headed for Mathura. BTW i am going on a long trip after almost 2 years and during the start of the journey my confidence was a bit low.

Day 2

I was supposed to reach Mathura by 18.45 but my train was late by 2 hours as expected from Indian Railways. At the station I did expedited the process of claiming my bike at parcel office by spending few extra bucks (off the record) and suddenly I was treated as a VIP and looking at the no. of VIP India has it was not astonishing.

I had planned this trip with a friend from UP (Siroli Village). He had already left from Mumbai a week earlier and was in his village spending some quality time of love with his family. His juniors from Diploma College PMV Mathura came to pick me up at the station and I halted the night in Mathura.

My bike getting a VIP treatment , undergoing final road to freedom

Photo of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India by corporateslave
Day 3

After sleeping well that night and spending some quality time with the students of PMV college Mathura which reminded me much of my school life and college. Next day, I started early and visited some of the religious places around and headed towards my friend's village via Aligarh and Atrauli to Sirauli

You should not grieve for the body

Photo of ISKCON Vrindavan, Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India by corporateslave

Good food on a dhaba near Aligarh

Photo of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India by corporateslave
Day 4

We were supposed to leave for Agra next day morning but my friend’s family convinced to stay at their place for one more day. So morning we decided to spent some time in the village and then went to rajghat and ramghat for a holy dip in the river Ganga.

i though earlier our national bird is found only in ZOO

Photo of Sirauli, Uttar Pradesh, India by corporateslave

An old haveli

Photo of Sirauli, Uttar Pradesh, India by corporateslave

A true reflection of people living near the ghats

Photo of Sirauli, Uttar Pradesh, India by corporateslave

UP police, the 8th Wonder of the World

Photo of Rajghat, Uttar Pradesh, India by corporateslave

have crossed these kind of bridges many a times on a train but walking through it for the first time

Photo of Ramghat Road, Saraswati Vihar, Sumit Sarovar Colony, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India by corporateslave
Day 5

Next day early morning we started our ride for Agra. Visited fatehpur sikri first to witness the marvellous architecture work of Mughal period and after a quick glimpse of The Taj Mahal we again ride back to Mathura as we have our accommodation arranged in Mathura and also to pick up the other bike and finally to start the ride as per our plan.

vastu sastra

Photo of Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, India by corporateslave

the grand gate to the beautiful fort

Photo of Buland Darwaza, Dadupura, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, India by corporateslave
Day 6

We started at around 4.00 hrs in the dark as we have to reach Ranthambore national park at 14:30 hrs.We had prebooked through online booking for zone 3 for the evening and zone 4 for next day morning jungle safari. Also we thought on the way we will visit Bhangarh fort and check out about the Paranormal activities we have been reading in the internet. We learned that day that starting at proper time is really important. One should not over exert. We were riding in the dark roads devoid of street lights at snail’s speed. Just when the first light of the dawn started reaching us we accelerated our bike through NH21. The roads were good and we were trespassing countryside area nearly at an average speed of 90kmph. Just before reaching Bhangarh my friend Gopal found out that the one of the two screw holding the handle has gone off and luckily nothing did happen to us. We fixed the handle with some local jugad (arrangement) as the original bolt and washer was not available and in between we were discussing as if it is the welcoming sign that you are getting near to Bhangarh. After fixing we headed towards Bhangarh though it delayed us with costly 45 minutes. On reaching Bhangarh which is at remote area we found ruined fort without roofs. Apart from that honestly I didn’t find anything abnormal and scary. Not only Bhangarh every fort has a closing time. ASI doesn’t not allow visitors after sunset that doesn’t mean that the place is haunted. I liked the fort though.

A view from top of the Bhangarh fort

Photo of Bhangarh Fort, Bhangarh, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave

An old Banyan tree at the entrance

Photo of Bhangarh, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave

We again kick start our bike for booking counter at Sawai Madhopur. We reached at around 14:15 hrs and went to the counter to collect the tickets. But we were informed that for online booking you have to reach another 45 minutes earlier. We couldn’t get any other safari ticket for the same day of the core area and we were not interested in buffer zone. So instead we prefer to rest for the day and started our hunt for a cheap guest house and found a one near Sawaimadhopur Railway station. We roamed around the street bazars near the station and ended the day as we know we again have a long next day.

Day 7

Today we reached booking counter on time at collected our ticket for the safari by showing the online pass. We thought to bring one bike so I rode the bike and followed the canter on our way towards the Ranthambore National park from Sawai Madhopur. We collected some other tourist from the nearby hotel and we were good to go. On reaching I parked the bike at the gate and joined others in the canteen to begin with the safari. Luckily we spotted two tigers in what was my maiden safari.

jungle mode on

Photo of Ranthambore National Park Safari, Vikas Marg, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi, India by corporateslave

honestly i was shooting the tiger in the background but my camera focus didn't help

Photo of Ranthambore National Park Safari, Vikas Marg, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi, India by corporateslave

freedom speaks it all

Photo of Ranthambore National Park Safari, Vikas Marg, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi, India by corporateslave

We booked another safari for the evening and meanwhile visited Ranthambore fort in between. The decision for another safari in the evening was made with a hope to see tiger in action hunting for its prey. Though it didn’t happened but we spotted 3 more tigers in the evening safari though not in action but very near to our canter and following its prey.

the tail automatically goes up when they sense that some predator is around

Photo of Ranthambore National Park Safari, Vikas Marg, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi, India by corporateslave

entertaining the visitors

Photo of Ranthambore National Park Safari, Vikas Marg, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi, India by corporateslave

we had a grand dinner of chicken and booze after the successful safari and doze off for the day.

Day 8

Next day we started early towards Bundi fort. Riding in 3-4 lane straight highway has its own charm in comparison to riding in Himalayas. Here the speed and the glimpse of the country side villages which you are leaving behind every seconds excites you.

view from bundi fort top

Photo of Bundi Road, Nayapura, Kota, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave

a view overlooking the town below from fort

Photo of Bundi Road, Nayapura, Kota, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave

Bundi fort

Photo of Bundi, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave

After visiting the fort we decided to realign our route to visit Garadia Mahadev Temple on National highway 76 near kota where the Chambal river turns 360 degrees. I was able to explore this place on the suggestion of my co rider and it became one of the highlight of the tour.

Nature at its best

Photo of GARADIA MAHADEV, Dabi, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave

Curves are fascinates me

Photo of GARADIA MAHADEV, Dabi, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave

We opted to stay at this place till sunset despite knowing that we have to ride another 170 odd kms to reach Chittorgarh. By our experience of riding in Rajasthan and lookin at the road condition we were confident enough that we could complete the ride to chittorgarh in next 2 hours.

our lifeline....our machine

Photo of GARADIA MAHADEV, Dabi, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave

Finally at dusk we started for Chittorgarh and after around 100 km took a halt for some good food at a dhaba and after that rode again and we were able to complete the ride in one piece and still managed to find a cheap guesthouse for a healthy and sound sleep.

Day 9

We visited the Chitttorgarh fort in the morning and meanwhile got our bikes checked and done with some minor repairing. The story of how the Rajputs fought bravely and jauhar committed by ladies and children throws a light about the importance of pride and fearless life. The sacrifice given by them can never go unnoticed.

Photo of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave
Photo of Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave

After visiting the fort we headed towards Udaipur and halted the night there. Before we started for Udaipur we had a serious discussion as to go further towards Gujarat or get back to Mumbai. It was not a question of we getting tired or exhausted. I could start the whole trip again on a bike and would be willing to spend another month or so on a bike. But our main concerned was our leave period were getting over. We unanimously decided to switch off our phone and proceeds towards Gujarat whatsoever the cost may be. Roger that was the clear and loud reply I got from my co rider.

Day 10

Next day morning we visited places like Fateh sagar lake, Rani ki Baori, Maharana pratap bagh and statue etc. The city palace fort and museum was the major attraction and was maintain at highest level.

Royal walk through the royal corridor

Photo of City Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave

City palace Udaipur

Photo of City Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave
Photo of City Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave

Sunset in Udaipur

Photo of City Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave
Photo of Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave
Photo of City Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave
Photo of City Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave
Photo of City Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave
Photo of City Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India by corporateslave
Day 11

Next day after a relaxing day at Udaipur we moved towards Diu. In between we halted at Ahmedabad and visited Sabarmati Ashram. The simple and easy lifestyle of the ashram fascinated me. It will always remain a question mark to me that how did the father of nation even thought of driving the Britishers out without any violence.

My life is my message

Photo of Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by corporateslave

remembering the things that had been done by our heroes for our good future

Photo of Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by corporateslave
Photo of Sabarmati Riverfront Walkway East, Keshav Nagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by corporateslave
Photo of Sabarmati Riverfront Walkway East, Keshav Nagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by corporateslave

We than headed towards Diu and after a while riding through the state highway we accepted that we cannot reach Diu on the same night as the road was also poorly lighted and it was getting difficult to ride and we halted for the night in a Dhaba. We parked our machines in front of the dhaba had a conversation with the owner and he replied befikre araam se rukye ( u can stay without any doubt). We unloaded our luggage. By now it took us less time to load and unload our luggage. Practice and experience certainly do work as magic.

Sarpanch and Dhaba Owner

Photo of Two Wheeling Starting From Mathura through Rajasthan, Gujarat, Diu and finally to reach Maharastra by corporateslave

Just after getting ourselves freshen up and ready for our Gujarati dinner (it is difficult to find non veg food in Rajasthan and Gujarat), a drunk man came and started abusing to the owner. The owner being an elderly man first avoided and did not pay any attention. After a while he started throwing stones towards the entrance of the dhaba. The owner got pissed off and went outside and started a fight. At first the drunk man was dominating but within fraction of seconds people started coming from every direction to help the old man and the drunk guy got a good share of thrashing. I have not seen anyone getting beaten up so badly from such a distance. At first we thought he will certainly die. We thought it will not be good for us to stay the night there as anything can happen and many thoughts started coming to our mind. After the dinner when we requested that we will leave the owner told us the full story. The story itself convinced us to stay the night there. 

Day 12

We once again started our ride towards Diu after a woderful night in the Dhaba

We had a good sleep in this Dhaba

Photo of Two Wheeling Starting From Mathura through Rajasthan, Gujarat, Diu and finally to reach Maharastra by corporateslave

We reached Diu morning at around 11:00 hours. As a normal tourist visited all the places, forts and all and got ourselves well stocked with booze ( Union Territory main h hum log :0)

Photo of Two Wheeling Starting From Mathura through Rajasthan, Gujarat, Diu and finally to reach Maharastra by corporateslave
Photo of Diu, Daman and Diu, India by corporateslave
Photo of Diu Fort., Diu, Daman and Diu, India by corporateslave
Photo of Church Of Our Lady, Diu, Daman and Diu, India by corporateslave
Day 13

Next day we headed towards the Somnath Temple

Photo of Somnath Temple Parking, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, India by corporateslave
Photo of Somnath Temple Parking, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, India by corporateslave
Photo of Somnath Temple Parking, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, India by corporateslave

As per our plan we have to reached Dholavira by night. After crossing Rapar which is around 90km from Dholavira we found out that in between upto Dholavira we will not find any hotel and petrol pump also. But still we decided to continue inspite of us being low on fuel. From the next village we were able to refill the petrol from general store selling it a bit expensive on bottles. We again moved forward without wasting time.

Photo of Balasar, Gujarat, India by corporateslave

In the next village Balasar, we were just in time as we reached just before the last shop of the village was getting closed. We inquired about the accommodation and negative came as an reply. But he offered us if we can stay in a temple built in a secluded place around 4-5 km from village. We had to accept as we were running out of option and we slept in the verandah of the Pujari's rest house built inside the Mandir campus all alone. The night itself has an different story.

Photo of Two Wheeling Starting From Mathura through Rajasthan, Gujarat, Diu and finally to reach Maharastra by corporateslave
Day 14
Photo of Balasar, Gujarat, India by corporateslave

Morning after crossing a small patch of white desert area we reached Dholavira and visited old excavation site of Harrapan city and the museum. Around 4500 years back from now how life would have been can never be visualize by looking at the minor details but one thing is for sure that they were much more superior in terms of practical experience.

Harrapan Civilisation.....4500 yrs back from now

Photo of Dholavira, Gujarat, India by corporateslave
Photo of Dholavira, Gujarat, India by corporateslave
Photo of Dholavira, Gujarat, India by corporateslave

After exploring all the nearby places of Dholavira we headed towards white desert in Dhordo. By late night we reached Bhirandiara and halted the night there in a roadside dhaba again. The night was a bit cold  and the humble owner provided us with lots of quilts and shawls so that we can sleep comfortably.

Day 15
Photo of Kalo Dungar, Kutch, Gujarat, India by corporateslave

Next day we visited India Bridge early morning. Photography was not allowed beyond the checkpost as the bridge itself is at a strategic location. The BSF incharge at checpost even allowed us to go another 15kms further in restricted area to visit the war memorial but we have to deposit all the cameras and phone at the checkpost. Beyond the war memorial to visit the border, permission has to be taken from DC office situated at Bhuj.

After India bridge we moved towards kala dungar and finally towards white desert at dhordo.

The road to dhordo was single lane two way without divider. But due to less traffic we could actually zoomed through it.

Always leave your good trail behind

Photo of White Desert/Rann Of Kachchh, Bhuj, Gujarat, India by corporateslave
Photo of White Desert/Rann Of Kachchh, Bhuj, Gujarat, India by corporateslave
Photo of White Desert/Rann Of Kachchh, Bhuj, Gujarat, India by corporateslave

We stayed in the white desert till 03:00 hrs.and observed the different version at different time starting with evening, sunset dawn and well lighted full moon night. the night was cold indeed and a bottle of old monk came to our rescue.

Photo of White Desert/Rann Of Kachchh, Bhuj, Gujarat, India by corporateslave

We found out that brightness of the desert was increasing along with each passing moment of the night and at around 23:30 hrs it was a lot brighter and shining than the evening time.

Thakur taking a nap in between

Photo of White Desert/Rann Of Kachchh, Bhuj, Gujarat, India by corporateslave

At around 3:00 hrs we returned to the checkpost and requested the BSF guard to arrange for a place to sleep for around 2 hrs.After sleeping for 2 hrs we were again back at the desert for for one last time to view the sunset. We were tired physically but our souls were not tired as we know that we don't get a chance to experience the sunrise at the place daily.

Day 16
Photo of White Desert/Rann Of Kachchh, Bhuj, Gujarat, India by corporateslave
Photo of White Desert/Rann Of Kachchh, Bhuj, Gujarat, India by corporateslave

Now it was time for us to head back to Mumbai. We started riding back and at Bhuj we got our bike serviced and by night we could reach Vadodara.

Next day we again started early with a motive to reach Mumbai by night. We could reach Daman by evening and again it being a union territory we had some good beers to charge ourselves for the one final time for the trip.

Day 17
Photo of Daman and Diu, India by corporateslave

We parted our way in Mumbai near Shilp Phata as I was heading for Navi Mumbai not an emotional one though as we know we would be again meeting in the office in a day or two. With some good moments and memories at heart which we know will stay with us as long as we are here we parted our way for first time after starting with the trip with the hope in mind to get into such kind of stuff again as soon as possible.

After that, he got posted in a different state (Dilli) and I am writing these because we are again teaming up in October for another 17-18 days bike ride through Sikkim and Bhutan. Till then keep on enjoying life. Have a safe ride to all the riders. And lastly, Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. So use your time wisely. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!

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